img818 Odilon Redon (1840-1916)

The drawing presents a study in figures, rendered primarily with charcoal on paper. The composition is vertically oriented and features several depictions of the human form, arranged seemingly without strict adherence to perspective or spatial logic. A central figure dominates the view; she stands upright, her arms clasped tightly around her face, conveying an impression of profound distress or despair. Her posture is rigid, suggesting a state of emotional paralysis rather than active movement.
To the right of this central figure, another individual sits in a slumped position, their head bowed and hands covering their face as well. This figure appears to be winged, though the wings are sketched with a loose, almost tentative quality, hinting at an incomplete or symbolic representation of flight or transcendence. The placement of this winged figure lower on the page creates a visual hierarchy, emphasizing the central standing womans prominence.
Scattered around these primary figures are smaller, more gestural sketches. One depicts a reclining female form, while another shows a profile view of a person in motion. These preliminary studies suggest an exploration of anatomical possibilities and compositional arrangements, serving as preparatory work for a larger project or simply as exercises in figure drawing.
The overall effect is one of melancholy and introspection. The repeated gesture of covering the face across multiple figures suggests a shared experience of sorrow or shame. The presence of wings on one figure introduces a layer of complexity; they could symbolize a desire for escape, a fallen angel motif, or simply an exploration of idealized beauty juxtaposed with human suffering. The unfinished quality of the drawing contributes to its emotional impact, conveying a sense of vulnerability and immediacy. It is not merely a representation of figures but rather a visual record of a contemplative process, revealing the artists engagement with themes of grief, isolation, and perhaps, the search for solace.